New peripherals bring stylish and affordable options for the digital lifestyle.

REDMOND, Wash.-Microsoft Corp. brings the beauty of Windows Aero from the PC to the devices that surround it with its latest keyboard and mouse desktop set, the Wireless Laser Desktop 7000, designed to complement the Windows Vista operating system with its striking design.

The new desktop set includes an ultrathin Comfort Curve keyboard and rechargeable mouse, delivering ultimate performance and comfort. The keyboard features a Windows Aero-inspired translucent design, floating Hot Keys and instant access to Windows Flip 3D,1 making this desktop a perfect companion for today’s Windows Vista-based PC.

The Wireless Laser Desktop 7000 brings together productivity-enhancing features and a sophisticated design to create an elegant accompaniment for today’s computers. The following are among its new design elements:
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Floating My Favorites Keys deliver one-touch access to users’ most-used Web sites, files and folders. Users simply push and hold a key to assign it to the current destination, just as they would with a car stereo’s preset buttons.
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Amazingly sleek, thin design complements any living room or office décor and features quiet touch keys.

“This keyboard is a perfect example of Microsoft’s focus on connecting its hardware with Windows Vista, bringing the elegance of Windows Aero to the keyboard,” said Carla Forester, group marketing manager at Microsoft. “The Wireless Laser Desktop 7000 truly brings the best of both worlds together — a beautiful design and a full suite of productivity features — making it the best option for customers desiring a sophisticated accessory for their computer.”

“We are thrilled to see the simplicity and beauty of the Windows Vista Aero experience conveyed in the Wireless Laser Desktop 7000,” said Jeff Price, senior director in the Windows Group at Microsoft. “With the smoked translucent border and floating keys, this keyboard is a true extension of the dynamic design of Windows Vista.”

Comfort Curve Is King

The Wireless Laser Desktop 7000 keyboard features Microsoft’s best-selling Comfort Curve design, which encourages a more natural position with a slight 6-degree curve. With more than 6 million Comfort Curve keyboards sold worldwide,2 Microsoft Hardware continues to shine as a leader in comfortable computing.

Wireless Laser Mouse 7000

The included Wireless Laser Mouse 7000 is a stylish, rechargeable mouse that perfectly complements the sleek keyboard. The horizontal charging station provides a sturdy base, and the battery status indicator lets users know when it is time to charge. By choosing a rechargeable mouse, users can reduce their battery consumption by up to 80 percent over three years of use.3

Confident connection with virtually no interference.Intelligent technology “hops” frequency when it encounters interference, making it ideal for crowded wireless environments with multiple computers.
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Wireless freedom. Users can sit back and click up to 30 feet away from the transceiver, even if it is out of sight.
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Easy setup and use. Users can just plug in the transceiver and start working.

Digital Media Keyboard 3000

Microsoft also announced today the Digital Media Keyboard 3000, designed to fit today’s digital lifestyle. This affordable keyboard allows users to bring digital media to life with one-touch access to photos, Windows Media Player, My Favorites Keys and Zoom. This sleek, thin keyboard is also optimized for Windows Vista, with quick access to Flip 3D4 and the Windows Start Button.

Pricing and Availability

The Wireless Laser Desktop 7000 will be widely available in April 2008 for an estimated retail price of $129.95 (U.S.).5 The Digital Media Keyboard 3000 will be widely available in June 2008 for an estimated retail price of $29.95 (U.S.).5 The Wireless Laser Desktop7000 and Digital Media Keyboard 3000 are now available for special pre-sale on Amazon.com and will ship in April and June respectively, when the products are widely released.